Should I activate an eSIM before flying to Hurghada, or can I do it after arrival in Egypt?
Based on 2 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 12 days ago
TL;DR
Practice varies by provider: some travelers (e.g. using Yesim eSIM) had to register the eSIM on their home network first, then switch it on after landing in Egypt. Verification codes are often sent via Telegram rather than SMS.
What the community said
One traveler registered the eSIM using their own phone number, and when inserting the SIM chose to receive the verification code via Telegram instead of SMS.
14 days ago Verification code via Telegram
Based on experience with the Yesim eSIM: on a second activation, support had to be contacted because a new QR code was issued — needed to register on the home network first (one traveler got a confirmation SMS from carrier Tele2), then the eSIM is turned off and only switched on after arriving in Egypt.
20 days ago Yesim eSIM
According to eSIM provider support, the eSIM must be purchased and activated while still at home so it registers on the home cellular network first, and only then switched on after arrival in Egypt — it can't be bought and activated locally once you're already there.
20 days ago